China Technical Team to conduct feasibility study for Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project
ATECHNICAL team from China has arrived in the country to initiate the feasibility study for the $300 million road upgrade project earmarked for parts of Vanua Levu.
Led by Zhou Jian, the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, the team paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, this week and provided an overview on the proposed study set to unfold over the course of the next two weeks.
The China Aid project will focus on the maintenance and upgrade of 80 kilometres of rural roads, including parts of the Natewa-West Coast and the Nabalebale-Naviavia/Dawara Roads in Cakaudrove and part of the NabouwaluMakolei Road in Bua.
Earlier this year, PM Rabuka and Ambassador Zhou formalised the exchange of notes for this China Aid project.
The Prime Minister expressed the Fiji Government’s appreciation to the Government of China for its continued assistance, highlighting the benefits of the project, which will have a significant impact on the socioeconomic landscape for the people of Vanua Levu.
With an estimated budget of FJ $300 million, the road upgrade works will be the flagship project under China’s Global Development Initiative (BRI).
The 80km road upgrading project will see the construction of 22 bridges that will improve the lives of the residents of 61 communities and students and teachers in 15 schools, while also improving access to medical facilities, as well as campuses of the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU) in Labasa.
The project will facilitate future developments including tourism and renewable energy projects including hydro power projects in Vanua Levu.